What's in a Name?

| 03 Novemeber 2025 |

I’ve been in the U.S. for a long time now — more than half my life, in fact. I even became a naturalized citizen quite a few years ago. Ever since then, my name has been mispronounced countless times. As a timid immigrant from the Philippines, I rarely corrected anyone back then.

My full name, Marife Rosales, often morphs into Ma-rife, Marifi, or sometimes my surname changes to Morales. Eventually, I learned to separate it out, introducing myself simply as Mary Fay. Later, I started going by my nickname, Fe, thinking it would make things easier — not realizing it would bring its own complications.

Even when I say my name is “Fey,” people often revert to pronouncing it as they see it — “Fee.” It takes a few tries for some to get it. During conference calls or virtual meetings, that moment of introduction often becomes a conversation starter or icebreaker. I’ve gotten used to it.

But what does it really matter, right? What’s really in a name?

Lately, as I grow my business, I’ve been thinking more about identity and branding. If I’m building something that represents me, wouldn’t it be nice for people to know how to say my name correctly — from the start?

One of my core values is to show respect for others and how they move through their own journeys. We’re all just trying to live the best life we can. And part of that respect is taking the time to listen, ask, and learn — even about something as simple as a name.

So maybe this post sounds a little self-reflective, but I share it as part of a bigger message: let’s show care and respect for the person next to us — at home, in a restaurant, on the bus, or in the checkout line.

And hey — when in doubt, just ask.

(You can hear how my name is pronounced here: Marife)

Thank you for reading.

(credits to How To Pronounce)